Races & Places with azsungoddessRunning & Racing around the country

"Disclaimer: I received a supply of Gatorade Endurance formula and gels to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

As I write this review, I am a week out from my first ultramarathon. Over the course of my training, I have been experimenting with various supplements, gels, powders and just fueling in general to get me through this race. That’s why when I received the opportunity to review the brand new Gatorade Endurance formula flavors, I jumped at the chance.

As part of my training, I decided to run a marathon. For that race, I was using a “superstarch” type of product for fuel. I also used some really thick gels that I picked up at the expo. Well, I got pretty tired of both of them during the race. Once the liquid was warm, it was disgusting since it was a little on the thicker side. And the gels? That felt like a commitment to open one of those thick packets and work on getting it down.

Even though the new endurance formula is specially formulated for well…endurance events…I tried it out for the first time on a shorter run here in AZ. It was very warm out and I was glad that I had it with me. The watermelon flavor honestly tastes JUST like fresh watermelon, maybe with a hint of salt. Really light flavor, but enough electrolytes to carry you through! It has 2x the sodium and 3x the potassium of regular Gatorade.

Ok so now I needed to put it through more of a test. I took it on my last “long” training run – 12 miles. Again, it was a super warm morning and I knew I would need an extra boost to get me through. I brought 2 gels with me – the new Mango flavor. I had been keeping them in the refrigerator ever since they had arrived. I filled two flasks – one scoop each and added water.

I had also ran 12 miles the previous Sunday..I don’t know if it was definitely due to the Gatorade endurance, but I cut out a good 20 minutes from my overall time from week to week. I ended up just using one gel instead of two – didn’t need it. I did not feel the urge to take all the walking breaks that I did before, and I had basically the exact same weather conditions. I would consider that a win for Gatorade Endurance!

Halfway into my 12 miler, I tried a gel. This gel was the polar opposite of what I tried at my last marathon. Really light – actually tasted like mango – and it didn’t have that fake gel flavor or texture. Yesss!

Compared to the other product I was using, this has more potassium and more sodium – all good things – but also more sugar. The new formulation contains no artificial sweetener or flavors and has a lighter flavor designed for athletes training/racing for prolonged periods of time. In addition, Gatorade Endurance Formula now offers a multi-carbohydrate blend to help endurance athletes maintain performance and lower the risk of stomach discomfort during a hard training session or race.

This was only a 2 week test, but it was enough to convince me to use it in my ultra, and for my long runs in the future. I will definitely be buying more when this runs out! It truly is #FormulatedForFarther!

"Disclaimer: I received an assortment of KT Tape products as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

It seems like no one thinks much about getting blisters…until they get one. I have been caught off guard on more than one occasion – with new shoes, new socks or just bad luck! And I have regretted not taking a more proactive approach. For my last marathon, I had a certain pair of shoes that was rubbing my heel in a not nice way, so I threw a band aid on it. Sometimes they stay on, sometimes they don’t. If you sweat, odds are good it will come off.

Enter KT Tape blister prevention tape! The same brand that provides awesome support using kinesiology tape (which I tried and reviewed earlier this year), now makes blister prevention tape AND blister treatment patches!

The prevention tape comes in a roll, pre cut into 30 strips, with an adhesive backing that comes off easily. For my long run last weekend, I put a strip on the back of my troublesome heel and was immediately struck by the incredible stickiness of the tape strip. It wasn’t going ANYWHERE. Love that. It didn’t feel like a bandage, it felt like tape. I ran 12 miles in 90 degree temps and am happy to report it stayed put!Product features:

Designed to help prevent athlete blister and chafing

Flexible, and breathable synthetic fabric

Easily conforms to skin and is thin to minimize friction

Stays on up to 2 days

These synthetic non-woven fabric strips are designed to help prevent athlete-related abrasion injuries, such as blisters, chafing, and hot spots, during athletic training and competition. Blister Prevention Tape has strong adhesive to help it stay in place and conform easily to the skin to allow full mobility while staying active. The prevention tape sells in a roll of 30 strips for $9.99.

I have also heard of other uses for this magic tape – not just for blisters but basically for anywhere you may get chafing. I definitely get it under my sports bra. That seems like a good spot to try it. Another tip from my fellow BibRave pro Corey is to wear it on your hands when you are lifting weights. It’s a lot less bulk than gloves. I plan on giving this a try in next week’s body pump class.

The other product I was sent to try was the blister treatment patch. How invaluable is this? Without even trying it yet, I already know that BOTH of these products need to be in my race-cation travel kit as well as a must for long runs. I didn’t have any blisters in the few weeks I had to try this product out (because I was using the prevention strips!!!) - but having this on hand is a must.

The patches sell in a box of 6 for $9.99 (but we have a discount below!!!) Here are the product features:

Up to 2X FASTER healing than traditional bandages

Lasts up to 7 days

100% waterproof seal

Eases pain and helps reduce scarring

Sterile and latex free

These Blister Treatment Patches from KT TAPE® are designed specifically for athlete blister and minor wound care. Each patch is made of an advanced hydrocolloid gel that conforms to the skin and stays in place even while you’re active.

KT Tape is offering a special discount for you BIBRAVE30 - for 30% off! I am going to stock up on some of these essentials for sure! I have my first – and possibly only – ultramarathon in 2 weeks and this is coming with me, ON my person during the race. If anything comes up while I am trapesing through the woods for 5-6 hours, I will be READY!

Last summer, I shared a personal story on my blog about how a lifesaving blood donation helped my dad, who was suffering from Multiple Myeloma, on my wedding day. You can read more about thathere.

Since then, I made a commitment to start donating blood. I made an appointment at my local center and was surprised at how easy it was and how little time it took to make such a difference. I even received a text message a few days after one of my donations that totally made my day.

Blood donation helps so many people. Did you know that:

Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs a transfusion of donated blood?

One whole blood donation has the potential to help up to three patients

I have received phone calls lately looking for a donation because blood donation drops about 20% during the summer months. They do not have enough As, Bs, ABs or Os. They need your blood type! How can you get involved? Take a step to donate with United Blood Services at https://www.missingtypeus.org.